The latest developments in engineering, as part of Progressive Engineer (www.ProgressiveEngineer.com), the online magazine and information source with a sustainability slant.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

AECOM unveils target for reducing carbon footprint

AECOM, an integrated global engineering and infrastructure firm, has announced a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20 percent, normalized by revenue, across its global operations by 2020, starting from a baseline year in 2015. To achieve this goal, the company will focus on its largest sources of emissions: fleet vehicle fuel, purchased electricity, and heating/cooling for offices.

The established target follows AECOM's commitment along with other industry leaders at a White House roundtable in 2015 to collectively reduce GHG emissions by 5 million metric tons between 2008 and 2020. The transition to less-carbon intensive operations is consistent with the company's commitment to transform communities, improve lives, and build a better world.

"Our company is built around the power of connected expertise and collaboration to reimagine and create new potential for built and natural environments," says Michael Burke, AECOM's chairman and chief executive officer. "Together, we strive to make a lasting and positive impact on society and the environment that will make a difference for future generations."

The effort to better manage the company's carbon footprint is one of the key highlights detailed in AECOM's recently released 2015 Sustainability Report. Featured projects that represent AECOM's work with clients and partners from the around the world and are delivering transformative and sustainable outcomes, include:

Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, CA, which aims to be the world's most sustainable arena by achieving a net-zero energy goal through using solar energy for 100 percent of its electricity, saving 700,000 gallons (2.6 million liters) of water annually.

Gateway WA, a highway and interchange upgrade project in Perth, Australia, the first road project in the country to earn an excellent rating from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia for its achievement of being designed, delivered, and operated in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

The Kuala Lumpur Centre for Sustainable Innovation is a joint venture between AECOM and the Malaysian government that focuses on public and private sector engagement to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for improving the city's livability.

"This target helps AECOM measure our progress managing our carbon footprint. Together with other leading companies, we recognize the business opportunity connected with this global effort," says Josh Sawislak, AECOM's global director of resilience. "This is more than just being a good corporate citizen. It's smart business to reduce our costs and position us for a sustainable future environmentally and financially."

AECOM designs, builds, finances, and operates infrastructure assets for governments, businesses, and organizations in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.aecom.com or @AECOM.